BLOGGING THE VIEW: 5 altruistic ways to show your love this Valentine’s Day

While Valentine’s Day has traditionally been a day celebrating romantic love, this year could be the time to shed those shackles of consumerism and actually show some heartfelt altruism to the world around you.

Whether you’re single, romantically involved, or somewhere in between, here are a few ways you could celebrate Valentine’s Day with a bit of a twist this year.

1. Show your love for humanity

Why not start spreading Valentine’s love by showing appreciation for those around you? One simple act of kindness can have far-reaching repercussions for those around you, and it really won’t take too much to make that impact. Here are a few ideas of things you can try:

• Pay a compliment to the people you engage with on the day
• Buy something from an informal trader
• Give someone a bunch of flowers to thank them for being great
• Leave positive notes for your friends and colleagues

2. Show your love for NPOs

This is a country with a lot of need and the past few years have been particularly difficult for non-profit organisations as donor funding has dried up. You could consider a once-off donation, or even a monthly contribution to a local charity. This could include sponsoring a child at a school, buying pet food, or even contributing to global causes such as the rescue efforts in Turkey and Syria.

3. Show love for the animals

You don’t have to look far to find an animal in need of love, shelter, or other help. Some of Africa’s most incredible animals have been displaced through our encroachment into natural land. Rhino poaching continues to be a national and international problem, with Zululand’s majestic rhinos under threat. Animal shelters are overrun and resources stretched as they attempt to vaccinate, feed, and shelter unwanted dogs, cats and more. You can help in so many ways, whether it’s donating to an animal-dedicated NPO, dropping off food or bedding for animals, or volunteering at a local shelter.

4. Show love for the earth

If you’re not already adopting sustainable practices, then use this Valentine’s Day as an excuse to start! It can be something as simple as unplugging electronics that aren’t in use; switching out old lightbulbs for LED; or getting into the habit of recycling. Take it up a notch by planting some indigenous trees in the garden, or even carpooling or cycling to lower your carbon footprint.

5. Show love for that special someone

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be the clichéd flowers and chocolates. You can use this day to truly show that special someone in your life that you love them by doing something extra. This could be preparing them their favourite dish, or just doing some mundane chore that you know they really don’t want to do. If you aren’t in a romantic relationship, show some love for family and friends – or even partake in some indulgent self-care. You deserve love and attention today, even if it’s just taking some time for yourself!

Altruistic acts are not only good for others, they’re good for you as well – acts of kindness actually make you happy. So give it a try this Valentine’s Day!

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695